Google Unveils Timeline Feature That Maps Everywhere You've Ever Been

Why Is This Important?

Because Google knows exactly where you’ve been and now you can find out too.

Long Story Short

Google Maps has a new feature called Timeline, which logs everywhere you’ve been while holding your phone. If you’re struggling to remember that great bar you went to six months ago, Timeline can help.

Long Story

If you have accepted location tracking with Google Photos or Google Now, then Google is already logging your movements and the data has always been available in location history, but now it’s available in much more interesting form on Android and desktop.

“Your Timeline allows you to visualize your real-world routines, easily see the trips you’ve taken and get a glimpse of the places where you spend your time,” a statement from Gerard Sanz, Google Product Manager, says on the company’s website.

You can rename locations to make them more personal (e.g. ‘mum’s house’ or ‘the office’) and you basically have a diary that can help you remember what you got up to last year or those places you want to revisit on a city break.

However, for all its benefits, Timeline does have a slightly Big Brother-ish feel.

For that reason, Google is keen to stress that only you can see your Timeline.

Plus, you can delete days, places or your entire history should you wish to. Turning off your ‘places you go’ option will stop Google remembering your locations if Timeline feels a little too intrusive.

If you have a habit of losing your keys after a few too many beers Timeline might be your new best friend. But if you have a jealous SO, things could get messy in a hurry.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question: Is Google Maps Timeline very useful or just creepy?

Disrupt Your Feed: Finally a way to track that night out that got out of hand, thanks Google Timeline!

Drop This Fact: Google Maps launched on February 8, 2005. Google’s Street View team is currently navigating the wilds of Mongolia having mapped more than five million miles.